Look Up – Reflecting On Our Success and Carrying the Momentum Forward

SSS Philly 2016

After three days of street soccer at the bottom Philadelphia’s Art Museum’s “Rocky” Steps in intense heat and humidity, the Street Soccer USA Cup is over, but will continue to be a lasting impression on the Empowerment FC team.

As the final SSUSA Cup of the two cup eligibility for each of our players, we took a chance before boarding our flight to reflect on what the players will take away from their experiences and how they will carry the momentum towards their goals, give back to future players, and grow Street Soccer Seattle.

Each player shared about his or her biggest growth through the Cup and Street Soccer Seattle’s program as well as experiences that have empowered him or her throughout the program. The stories and growth each shared was extremely motivating and prompted a lot of discussion on how each player can use these experiences and stories to help empower the next generation and break the barriers of homelessness.

Players expressed finding confidence through street soccer Seattle and now being able to use that to meet new people, feel comfortable about themselves, and obtain their goals. Having something to look forward on a weekly basis that makes them happy and encourages through phases of homelessness, loneliness, and depression was also shared as the result of Street Soccer Seattle. Furthermore, Street Soccer Seattle has given our players a place for community and opportunity to get to know players in the same situation as them.

The conversations were very motivating to the players themselves and to our organization and the ability to impact their lives through soccer. 

At the beginning of the tournament, the team set goals to keep each other motivated, be positive, meet and get to know each other and use this opportunity to keep momentum for SSS building. As with any goal in life, these were not easy to accomplish throughout the weekend, but our players consciously worked hard day in and day out to meet these goals and we are very proud of each of them.

Robert Take the Space

Excitingly, Robert received the SSUSA Take the Space award. This award is given to a player who took control of his or her goals and jumped on every opportunity to progress forward, with a committed and driven mentality. Robert stood out amongst all the players around the country due to his determination and productive actions to over come obstacles in the past months and earn his spot on the Street Soccer Seattle team and in a housing program. Stay tuned for a post-tournament interview with Robert to hear more about his journey!

SSUSA National Team 2016

Additionally, Ryan was selected as an alternate for the SSUSA National Cup team that will compete at the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow, Scotland. Ryan’s un wavering commitment to his job at PCC, his progress to live independently, and hid drive to increase his responsibilities at PCC and further his education make him an extremely deserving player. We are excited to watch him represent Seattle and The United States during International Duty.

Check out all the photos of our activities and feel free to drop words of encouragement to our players on our Facebook page!

“I Learned to Laugh” – Elena’s Street Soccer Seattle Story

Last night at the tournament welcome dinner, Street Soccer Seattle’s very own Elena shared some of her Street Soccer Seattle story. We are very proud of Elena’s bravery to share in front of players and supporters, as well as her continued progress towards her goals even amongst obstacles. Take a chance to hear how Street Soccer Seattle has made an impact on Elena’s life.

“Street Soccer is not just a game of soccer, it is way much more than that. It’s a place to grow, a place to make changes. a place to be safe and a place to build a community. When I first joined street soccer Seattle I was homeless and I didn’t have really any much hope in my future. I had never really played any soccer prior to joining Street Soccer Seattle, nor knew much about the game of soccer in itself.

I remember showing up to practice scared and nervous, not sure of what I was getting myself into. Feeling very intimidated when I looked around and saw that it was mostly guys and the skills they had with the ball. Yet still very intimidated I stuck around. And I am proud that I did.

Through Street Soccer I have learned to build a community through my teammates and coaches. I have learned to laugh and trust my coaches as well as my teammates. Street Soccer isn’t just about kicking a ball around on a field and winning the matches that we play. It is about communicating and working together.

I started using Street Soccer as something to look forward to at the end of my week. It gave me hope and a goal to work towards while being homeless. I used Street Soccer to release my stress. Every time I kicked the ball I felt my anger disappear. I learned to laugh and be myself. I learned that Street Soccer was a place to have fun. Through the skills of Look Up, Adjust Your Play and Take the Space, I learned that those skills were not just applied on the field but they were used in my everyday life.

Street Soccer has taught me more then just about soccer it has taught me a lot about myself. My first tournament with my team was to San Francisco, California. When we arrive to San Francisco, California I was very scared and nervous but very surprised at how welcoming everyone was to each other.

I remember the first night where we had dinner together and when a young gal stood up and talked about Street Soccer and the changes it had made in her life. I remember listening and realizing that I could relate to her story. Through out the tournament I met some awesome people, as well as, made some great friends. I realized that everyone was in a similar situation that I was in and that Street Soccer was in fact more than just a game of ball. It was a family inside itself.

Street Soccer has this phrase ‘I Play For’. When I first was asked what I play for, I thought health and hope. If you were to ask me that question now my answer would be for motivation and community. Motivation to change my life, motivation to learn, and continue to build healthy communities, motivation to spread the word around in my community about Street Soccer and what it has to offer and what an impact it has made in my life!”

– Elena (Street Soccer Seattle Player)

Introducing Seattle’s National Cup Team for Philadelphia 2016!!

Street Soccer Seattle has landed in Philadelphia for our seventh Street Soccer USA Cup and it is with great excitement that we introduce the five deserving players and our two coaches!

Each player has worked extremely hard all year long, on and off the field to earn his or her spot to represent Seattle in Philadelphia. Securing nightly and stable housing, finding and keeping jobs, overcoming mental health obstacles, navigating relationship issues and furthering their education are just a few of the off field goals our players daily strive for and have found success in.

For them, Street Soccer Seattle is a constant in their chaotic world. In Street Soccer, players have found a supportive community, motivation to be their best self. Through Street Soccer we are able to be a vehicle for change directly to people struggling from homelessness and in turn, the players infiltrate change into their communities and beyond.

Throughout the year, we play under the name Momentum FC, building momentum towards life goals. At the SSUSA Cup we play under Empowerment FC and our players show nothing less than that, empowering themselves and empowering everyone else!

They are:

Robert, Carlos, Ryan, Elena, William, Coach Conner, and Coach Chris!
Robert, Carlos, Ryan, Elena, William, Coach Conner, and Coach Chris!

Throughout our weekend, Street Soccer Seattle’s team will get the chance to test our work on the field, but more excitingly, hang out with the greater Street Soccer family and explore a new city. Fallow along with all the action on our website for player interviews and daily updates or on our Facebook page for more frequent access our fun on and off the field.

Ending homelessness is a team effort. If you have any words of encouragement for the team, email chrisburfeind@streetsoccerseattle.org. Thank you for your support, it continues to motivate our players!